The carriage of Song Ci arrived, and naturally, the servant women of the Bai Family were waiting, led by Nanny Zhao, who was by the side of Madam Bai. Seeing Song Ci, she warmly greeted her with a smile.
"Lady Song, this old woman pays her respects and wishes you well," Nanny Zhao said, her round face lit up with a smile as she bowed slightly to Song Ci.
Song Ci raised her hand slightly, "No need for formalities, thank you for waiting here."
With a cheerful expression, Nanny Zhao led Song Ci inside the gates, speaking as she went, "Your presence honors this old servant greatly. When the lady heard you were coming, every servant in the courtyard vied for the chance to welcome you. It was I, with my shameless old face, who pleaded and insisted with the lady for this duty. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been my turn."
Indeed, this person’s tongue is skilled. Truly, specialization makes professionals, and just listening to her is enough to bring joy to one’s heart.
"Madam Bai certainly knows how to train her people, Nanny Zhao, you’re quite the talker."
Nanny Zhao laughed until she shook like a flower, "As long as you don’t mind my chatter, speaking of training people, this old servant must say, you, Lady Song, know how to nurture them. Look at this third young lady, so tranquil and graceful, oh my, what a celestial beauty at such a tender age. Many must envy you."
Hearing such exaggerated praise, Song Ruwei couldn’t help but blush, lowering her eyes slightly, while steadily supporting Song Ci’s hand.
Song Ci glanced at her young granddaughter and said, "This little girl doesn’t take well to compliments, so don’t tease her."
Nanny Zhao said a few more words, then guided Song Ci onto a small carriage within the mansion, heading towards the second gate.
While listening to Nanny Zhao and Nanny Gong discuss who would be arriving today, Song Ci took in the scenery of the Bai Mansion.
It was said to be a four-sectioned courtyard, a bit small, though the scenery was somewhat delicate, still, it was indeed small.
Who knows how the Bai Mansion accommodates its occupants. After all, that Deputy Magistrate Bai is famously urbane and elegant, with concubines and children everywhere.
"Our Bai Mansion has already purchased a residence over by the pagoda tree and parasol trees. It’s still being renovated, but once we move in, we would invite Lady Song to join us for a drink," Nanny Zhao continued, "That place is six sections big, much larger than here. It was sold by a wealthy merchant from Jiangnan at a good price, which fortunately our madam bought."
Song Ci raised an eyebrow, bought neither early nor late, only after her daughter became Consort Bai did they get a bargain?
Sounds like insider dealing.
She smiled but did not respond.
When the small carriage arrived at the second gate, she got out, and Nanny Gong came forward to assist her, whispering slightly displeased, "Climbing high does make a difference, even the formalities are disregarded."
Song Ci glanced at her, with a faint smile.
Having been in ancient times for nearly a year, she understood what needed understanding, and with Nanny Gong’s remark, she immediately grasped the situation.
Given her own rank, it wouldn’t be excessive for Madam Bai to personally greet her. Even if not at the main gate, then at least at the second gate?
But there was none, just two maids waiting at the second gate, no sign of the host.
That Madam Bai, just a Fifth Rank Imperial Decree holder, surely has airs.
Nanny Zhao was evidently a bit taken aback too, subconsciously glancing at Song Ci, wanting to say a few words with a smile, when she saw someone hastily coming out of the second gate.
It was the Young Madam of the Bai Mansion, Madam Qiu.
Madam Qiu approached quickly, bowing to Song Ci and apologetically saying, "It should have been my mother who personally came to greet you, Lady Song, but she was unfortunately delayed by some matters, so she sent me instead, truly sorry for keeping you waiting." Chapters first released on novel✶fire.net
Song Ci smiled faintly, "No problem, I just arrived too. As a guest, and not an extraordinary person, it doesn’t matter who comes to greet."
Madam Qiu’s face turned pale.